Nearly 1,000 players and staff trained, with awareness levels surging across Scottish clubs
A comprehensive review of the SPFL’s gambling harm prevention initiative, backed by William Hill and delivered by Epic Global Solutions, has shown encouraging results just one year into the programme’s launch.
The educational campaign, introduced during William Hill’s first season as the title sponsor of the SPFL, reached nearly 800 players and 160 club staff across 37 Scottish clubs. The programme aimed to raise awareness about the risks of gambling in professional sport and help players and staff better understand where to seek support.
Measurable Improvements in Gambling Awareness
The results have been substantial. 93% of participants reported a good or excellent understanding of gambling-related vulnerabilities following the sessions—an increase from 70% prior. Furthermore, understanding of the link between gambling and professional integrity also rose from 74% to 93%.
One of the most significant indicators of progress was that 96% of players now feel confident about how and where to access help for gambling-related issues, suggesting the programme is fostering a safer, more informed environment within Scottish football.
Former Players Leading the Dialogue
Crucial to the success of the initiative were Epic Global Solutions’ session leaders—Marc Williams and Dominic Matteo, both of whom are former professional footballers with lived experience of gambling harm. Their personal stories and candid discussions helped deliver powerful, relatable insights that resonated deeply with participants.
SPFL CEO Neil Doncaster praised the impact, noting:
“These figures show the real impact that Epic’s gambling harm awareness programme has had with SPFL clubs and its players. We’ve had extremely positive feedback on how informative the sessions have been.”
Looking Ahead: Expansion in 2025/26 Season
With its first season deemed a success, the programme is set to expand in 2025/26. Plans include outreach to SPFL academies, women’s teams, and community supporter groups, broadening the campaign’s scope and deepening its long-term impact across the Scottish football landscape.
Per Widerstrom, CEO of William Hill’s parent company Evoke, emphasised the importance of education as part of responsible sponsorship:
“The education programme is a fundamental element of our sponsorship. We now look forward to next season and extending the programme to academies, women’s squads and supporters.”
Conclusion: A Responsible Model for the Future
As gambling sponsorships in sports continue to face scrutiny, the SPFL and William Hill’s proactive approach sets a valuable precedent. By prioritising education, prevention and real-world support, this initiative offers a constructive, athlete-centred model that could inform similar programmes across other leagues and countries.
With nearly 1,000 people already trained and expansion plans underway, the SPFL’s effort is proving that awareness and integrity can grow alongside competitive sport—without compromising player wellbeing.
